S50 lens questions + repair

[SFGREG]

Hi-
I have a s50 for a few months. I just noticed on a few pictures a small circle in the mid to bottom left quadrant of the image. You can see it in the lens if you look carefully with the correct angle but its subtle.

I tried to clean the lens with a soft lens cleaning cloth but this didnt remove it, also using a q tip while rubbing the cloth. I am hesitant to use any cleaning fluids on the lens. The repair center is in Illinois.

How do you clean the lens? The "defect" seems to be a perfectly small circle. Odd that if the lens was dirty, it would be so symmetrical.

I live in Northern Cal (SF). are there any canon service centers that I can bring it do in this area? I would rather not have to ship it to Illinois, but I don't want to do anything that might damage the lens.

I'm open to any ideas. Thank you very much!

[phidong]

Heres a note on their webpage:

"We recommend that before you send your camera in, you speak with a Customer Support Representative to be sure that your unit is in need of service. For assistance, please call 1 (800) 828-4040. It is not necessary to call the Factory Service Center prior to sending in your repair. "

Try calling the number and talking to a representative. Has the problem always been on the lens (did you notice it in earlier pictures), or is it something that has recently occured? There is a mail-in service as well if you will need to send it in. It usually takes a while though, I was without my Pentax digital camera for about 2 months. :|

[SFGREG]

I noticed it on several recent ones. I can see it on the lens but it wasn't on every picture, so I don't know when it occurred. I don't know if there are any local places to take it (canon authorized) or how people clean the lens (in case it is just dirt although unlikely)?

THanks

[phidong]

If you wiped at it and it didn't come off, I doubt its dirt? Try rubbing a bit harder with your rubbing cloth. Call the number tomorrow (they're probably closed b/c its labor day) or today (its worth a try) and see if theres any other authorized repair places by you. They should know ;)

[stopbath]

Your local (trusty) camera store will likely be able to clean the lens for you. They should have the equipment (cloth, fluid, and skill) to do it fairly competently.

Do not use 'lens cleaning fluid' on your lens, as these generally leave a slight film on the lens. Use pure water, breath (not saliva) or pure alcohol (not vodka or rubbing alcohol) to help loosen dirt. When using liquids, apply it to the lint free cloth, not the lens.